Creamy Crack Chicken Soup Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for cozy nights. Packed with tender chicken, melty cheese, and fresh spinach, it’s both hearty and satisfying. This soup offers rich creaminess balanced with savory herbs, making it a sure crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon (diced) – or mushrooms for a vegetarian option
• 1 tbsp butter – or ghee
• 1 white onion (diced) – yellow onion works too
• 3 cloves garlic (minced) – or garlic flakes
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 tsp garlic powder – or garlic flakes
• 1 tsp onion powder – or onion flakes
• 1/2 tsp dried dill
• 1/2 tsp dried chives
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 cups cooked chicken (shredded) – or tofu for vegetarian
• 8 oz cream cheese (full-fat)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (grated) – try Pepper Jack for a spicy twist
• 4 cups baby spinach – kale or a mix of kale and spinach also work
• 1/4 cup heavy cream – or coconut cream/Greek yogurt as substitutes
• Fresh dill (chopped) for garnish
• Green scallions (chopped) for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat for about 5 minutes until crisp.
2. Step 2: Remove the bacon but keep the rendered fat in the pot. Add diced onions and butter to the fat.
3. Step 3: Cook the onions until translucent, about 3 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 20 to 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen browned bits.
5. Step 5: Add bay leaves, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, dried chives, salt, and black pepper. Lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Add shredded chicken to the pot and simmer for another 5 minutes.
7. Step 7: Stir in cream cheese and cheddar cheese, whisking until melted and smooth.
8. Step 8: Add baby spinach and heavy cream, stirring occasionally, and simmer for 3 more minutes.
9. Step 9: Remove pot from heat, discard bay leaves, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
10. Step 10: Fold in the cooked bacon, fresh dill, and chopped scallions before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute bacon with mushrooms and chicken with tofu.
• Using full-fat cream cheese ensures a richer, creamier texture.
• Try adding a bit of spicy Pepper Jack cheese for a subtle kick.
• Mix spinach and kale to boost the nutritional value without altering flavor much.
• If you prefer a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain smooth texture. Adding fresh herbs after reheating will refresh the flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup reheats very well. Prepare it completely, then cool and refrigerate. Reheat on medium heat, stirring to prevent sticking.

Is it possible to freeze Creamy Crack Chicken Soup?

Freezing is possible but may affect the texture of the cream cheese and spinach. If freezing, consider adding spinach fresh after thawing and reheating.

Creamy Crack Chicken Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 92 reviews

Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is a rich and comforting dish loaded with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and creamy cheeses simmered in a flavorful broth. This hearty soup combines the smokiness of bacon with aromatic herbs and a velvety texture, making it perfect for cozy meals. Vegetarian substitutions are also suggested, making it adaptable to different dietary preferences.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Meat and Dairy

• 4 slices bacon (diced) – for vegetarian option, substitute with mushrooms
• 1 tbsp butter (or ghee)
• 8 oz cream cheese (full-fat)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (grated, or Pepper Jack for spice)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (can substitute coconut cream or Greek yogurt)

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 white onion (diced) – yellow onion optional
• 3 cloves garlic (minced) – or garlic flakes
• 4 cups baby spinach – kale or spinach-kale mix can be used
• Fresh dill (chopped) for garnish
• Green scallions (chopped) for garnish

Broth and Seasonings

• 5 cups chicken broth
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 tsp garlic powder (or garlic flakes)
• 1 tsp onion powder (or onion flakes)
• 1/2 tsp dried dill
• 1/2 tsp dried chives
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Protein

• 4 cups cooked shredded chicken – tofu for vegetarian option

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the diced bacon for about 5 minutes until crispy and fat is rendered.
2. Sauté onions: Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the bacon fat in the pot. Add diced onions and butter to the bacon fat and cook until onions are translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 20 to 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add broth and scrape: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits, enhancing flavor without burning.
5. Add herbs and seasonings: Add bay leaves, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, dried chives, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Add shredded chicken: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and simmer for another 5 minutes to combine flavors.
7. Melt cheeses: Add cream cheese and grated cheddar cheese and whisk continuously until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy and smooth.
8. Add greens and cream: Stir in baby spinach and heavy cream, simmering for 3 minutes, stirring frequently to combine everything well.
9. Finish and season: Remove the pot from heat and take out the bay leaves. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
10. Garnish and serve: Stir in diced bacon, chopped fresh dill, and chopped green scallions. Serve the soup warm and enjoy!

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute bacon with mushrooms and chicken with tofu.
• Using full-fat cream cheese provides the best creamy texture.
• You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or Greek yogurt, though flavor will vary.
• Scraping the pot after adding broth ensures flavorful bits are incorporated without burning.
• Use fresh herbs like dill and scallions to brighten the soup before serving.

Keywords: creamy chicken soup, crack chicken soup, bacon soup, comfort food, creamy soup, shredded chicken soup